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Ukraine has announced the start of mass production for an innovative locally engineered interceptor drone to strengthen its air defences. The first three producers have begun manufacturing, with an additional eleven preparing to set up production lines, the defence ministry announced on Friday.

Advanced 'Octopus' System Tested in Combat Situations

The drones will be based on a nationally created technology called “Octopus” designed to intercept Iranian-made drones. This technology has been tested in actual battle and demonstrated effective “during nighttime, amid electronic warfare and flying low,” the ministry confirmed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy established a target of manufacturing as many as 1,000 interceptors daily.

Latest Attack on the Capital Described as Deliberate

Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Moscow's most recent assault against Ukraine as “deliberate, premeditated and brutal” following six people lost their lives and many others injured in a series of night-time strikes across Kyiv. Alert systems activated in the capital just after midnight on Friday, with Shahed drones soon detected overhead and intensive defensive fire from Ukraine's aerial protection units.

The president stated the country was targeted by hundreds of UAVs and 18 missiles. Those killed were at home in an apartment building on Kyiv’s left bank when it was hit. Dozens of additional structures sustained damage, including the diplomatic mission of Azerbaijan.

Diplomatic Protest After Diplomatic Compound Destruction

The Azerbaijani government said it issued a strong protest to the Russian ambassador on Friday following the destruction at its diplomatic compound. The blast from a Moscow's missile demolished part of the compound's boundary wall and resulted in significant destruction to the diplomatic compound, officials from Baku reported. There were no personnel was hurt, and an official representative said the diplomatic mission in Ukraine was continuing to operate.

Russian Aerial Bomb Production Experiences Major Expansion

Russia intends to produce as many as 120,000 glide bombs this year, a high-ranking Ukrainian defense official disclosed, among them 500 of an innovative, extended-range model that is capable of targeting more towns and cities. Moscow's military were firing 200 to 250 glide bombs daily, with the previous month's daily average standing at approximately 170, based on official military statistics.

Ukrainian Strikes Target Moscow's Energy Infrastructure

Russia’s Black Sea port of the port city temporarily suspended oil exports this past Friday – representing 2% of global supply – after a strike by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine’s general staff said its military had launched Neptune cruise missiles and used various types of attack UAVs in the assault against Novorossiysk “as part of operations to diminish the military and economic potential of the Russian aggressor.”

Ukrainian forces separately targeted an oil refinery in Russia’s Saratov region and an energy depot in nearby Engels during the night.

International Restrictions Affect Russian Energy Company

The number two energy company Lukoil said on Friday it is negotiating with potential buyers regarding its foreign assets after recent restrictions from Western nations and the collapse of an agreement with commodity trader Gunvor. “Final arrangements will be announced once conclusive negotiations have been reached and required authorizations have been obtained,” Lukoil commented.

Zelenskyy Plans Visit to Spain

The Ukrainian leader will visit the Spanish capital, the Spanish capital, next Tuesday to meet with lawmakers following his visit to Paris, Spanish parliamentary officials announced. Zelenskyy will convene with deputies from all houses of parliament during his visit, an official announcement confirmed.